The outdoors scene in North and South Dakota is underrated. More rugged than people assume, home to some of the best biking and hiking around, and host to world-class hunting and fishing, the Dakota have much to offer an outdoors enthusiast.

Together, the two states account for just over 1.6 million of population — 40% less than the population of the Denver metro area alone.  That might explain why you don’t hear as much about the Dakotas as

some other parts of the West. But for people willing to explore, the Dakotas hold some nature, wildlife, and outdoors activities that you can’t find anywhere else.

When it comes to North and South Dakota, we notice that many people from other parts of the country refer to the two interchangeably. Each has its own culture, feel, and great destinations to offer. What they have in common are a few great outdoor activities.

Biking and Hiking

The biking and hiking in the Dakotas will give even some of the best Western destinations a run for thier money. Generally speaking, the area West of the Missouri River features elevation changes, buttes, small canyons, and plenty of rugged terrain that creates as much difficulty as the technical cyclist or hiker wants.

Near Medora, ND, the Maah Daah Hey trail is about 100 miles of challenge, vistas, and single-track goodness. It is open to hikers, horses, and cyclists, however the cyclists need to take bypasses around Teddy Roosevelt National Park. While some of the trail is flat and smooth, other sections provide plenty of technical challenge. Many who ride or hike it say that some of the toughest parts are staying hydrated in the dry sun. This part of North Dakota averages 75% sunshine in July, with highs in the low 80s.

Also nearby Medora, the two units of Teddy Roosevelt National Park provide for outstanding hiking for all skill levels.  Many trails explore different corners of the park, some of which are relatively flat and

beginner-level, but most of which can create excellent challenge some some outstanding views. Much has been written about the various hikes in TRNP, so refer to those for more information.

In South Dakota, the Black Hills offer some heavy-hitting trails for bikers and hikers. One of our favorites is the 100-mile Centennial Trail. It connects two state parks, and sees 2,000 feet of elevation gain through rugged hills and grasslands. It offers some tame sections along with some more technical singletrack sections.

The Mickelson Trail, 110 miles of crushed gravel, runs near the old Western town of Deadwood.  It is a wider trail than the Maah Daah Hey and Centennial, so great for people who are not as comfortable with singletrack.  Because it is a rails-to-trails project, it tends to be a bit smoother and flatter, so has more mass appeal for the average rider.

Fishing

The fisheries created by the Missouri River in both North and South Dakota are some of the most productive and diverse in North America.

The upper section of the Missouri in North Dakota forms Lake Sakakawea, named after the famed explorer who are crucial to the Lewis and Clark expedition. At a whopping 380,000 acres and 180 miles long, this is no small lake. For years, fishing enthusiasts have had Lake Sakakawea on their list of top American fisheries. The lake produces outstanding Walleye fishing, but also produces plenty of Northern, Bass, Catfish, and even Salmon.

In the Northeastern corner of North Dakota, Devil’s Lake has been considered a top-notch fishing spot in the country for a long time. It is sometimes referred to as the “Perch Capital of the World”, and offers many local guides and outfitters to help get you on fish even if you are from out of town.

Moving down to South Dakota, Lake Oahe is also a reservoir of the MIssouri River and produces walleye fishing on par with Sakakawea. It is even larger — stretching for over 200 miles, and with a max depth over 200 feet. Some of the most popular fishing access points for Oahe include Fort Yates, Mobridge, and Pierre. The June and July fishing is usually outstanding and popular, but don’t overlook the great fall fishing that usually occurs each October and November.

Pheasant Hunting

There is no way around it, both North and South Dakota is world-class pheasant terrain. While all of the Dakotas are home to pheasants, with the exception of a bit of Northeastern North Dakota, the best pheasant terrain tends to be in the Eastern ⅔ of South Dakota, and the Western ½ of North Dakota.

Pheasant hunting in their natural terrain is a unique outdoors experience. Beautiful views, plenty of exercise, and the frequent excitement of birds taking off out of the grass in front of you is a combination that

makes for rich and rewarding days. What’s more, pheasant hunting typically takes place in the fall, which is generally a mild and sunny time of year.

If you are lucky enough to have access to private pheasant land in the Dakotas, don’t take it for granted. For the rest of us, you may want to work through an outfitter and lodge like the ones curated at Dakota Hunting Trips (here).  These outfitters are used to hosting people from all parts of the country, and hunters ranging from experienced to first-time. It can be a great way to access prime land, too.

Another option is is look for public hunting land, which in North Dakota is called PLOTS (find land here).  South Dakota also offered private and public land open to hunting (find land here).

Public land is often overlooked. While it can be a little crowded during the opening weekend, once you get into the season, and away from main roads and towns, you can actually get quite a bit of space to yourself (and your dog).